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Thomas scored 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting with five rebounds, three assists and two steals over 25 minutes in his Boston debut Sunday against — who else? — the Lakers. Thomas’ night ended early, however, when he was ejected with 5:03 remaining in regulation after getting hit with two technical fouls.

The Celtics fell 118-111 in overtime at Staples Center.

Thomas’ ejection might further endear him to Boston fans. He showed some fire and passion after being whistled for a very questionable offensive foul in a four-point game. Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Thomas apologized to the team in the locker room, and teammates rallied in support by suggesting he didn’t deserve to be tossed for the outburst.

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After that debut, the Celtics’ pro shop would be wise to put in an express order on No. 4 jerseys with Thomas’ name on them. If Thomas brings the sort of passion and potential he showed Sunday, he’ll endear himself quickly to his new home.

ESPN Boston – Thomas has new fans, including one notable Lakers supporter

How you feel about the conclusion of Isaiah Thomas’ debut is subject to what you value and deem important about your favorite Celtics. Dave Cowens, Danny Ainge, Kendrick Perkins – all demonstrated the type of grit and competitive fire and intensity that Thomas showed in the waning minutes of regulation against the Lakers last night. If you haven’t seen the offensive foul that referee Tony Brothers whistled on Thomas in the fourth quarter, let me be the Nth person to tell you that it was an atrocious call. Thomas had already left his mark on his debut in green, by providing the instant offense and continual energy he’s made his trademark over the first three-plus years of his career. He figured to factor into the final few minutes and ensuing overtime frame, where the offensively-challenged Cs undoubtedly could have used his ability to create for himself and others. His emotions overtook him, albeit not in an inflammatory way, and Brothers showed a quick trigger with two technical fouls.

Chris Forsberg posits that Thomas’ early exit may be endearing and cause him to become an instant fan-favorite. But, of course, there’s a flip side to Thomas’ debut:

There were a number of Boston Celtics players who contributed to the team’s 118-111 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers with mistakes at both ends of the floor.

But there was no escaping the impact that Isaiah Thomas’ fourth quarter ejection with 5:03 to play had on the game’s outcome.

After the game, Thomas spoke to the team and apologized for his actions which put quite a damper on what had been an otherwise impressive debut with the Celtics having been traded from Phoenix to Boston just minutes before Thursday’s trade deadline had expired.

CSNNE – Thomas ejection proves costly in loss to Lakers

Thomas was a large part of why the Cs hung tough with the Lakers last night, but was probably the number one reason they lost in overtime. If I have time later, I’ll check to see how many players in NBA history have been ejected in their first game with a new team (if any of you have that info, throw it in the comments section!). Thomas has had a turbulent first few years in the league, where first the Kings, devoid of any other solution at point guard, let him walk and then the Suns, fresh off signing him to a four-year deal last summer, let him go in a trade.

Regardless of how you feel about the totality of Thomas’ debut, there’s no doubt his time in Boston will be anything but boring.

Related Links: 

Mass Live – Isaiah Thomas ejected in debut, Boston Celtics drop overtime thriller to Los Angeles Lakers, 118-111 | Evan Turner: Isaiah Tomas didn’t deserve to get ejected from Boston Celtics debut

On Page 2: Does the loss of Sully dash the Cs playoff hopes?

It seems like just yesterday when we were celebrating the Celtics’ acquisition of Isaiah Thomas, a pure scorer who will solve some big problems on offense and felt like a very important piece in making a playoff push.

Well, it wasn’t yesterday, it was three days ago, and now any of those hopes are probably out the window with the news that Jared Sullinger will miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture of the metatarsal in his left foot. The Celtics, who will have Thomas in the lineup for the first time against the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday night, will now have to deal with a major disadvantage versus other Eastern Conference teams vying to sneak into the postseason.

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Will the Celts willingly jump into the tank given the Sullinger news? Doubtful. If Brad Stevens has proven anything in his nearly two years here it’s that he’s not wired to take that path in any way. And Thomas’s arrival will still help the offense significantly regardless of Sullinger’s absence. The Celtics are now probably just good enough to wind up out of the playoffs and in the middle of the lottery.

In other words, NBA purgatory.

Boston Globe – Loss of Sullinger may be enough to sink Celtics’ playoff dreams

The Sullinger loss is a blow on a multitude of levels. Yes. It probably ends the Celtics playoff dreams (although “dreams” may not be the right word depending on who you ask)  but it also ends Sully’s season prematurely for the second time in three years. It stunts his development both as a player but also as a leader, which was growing in fits and starts this year.

Coming off the high of the trade deadline, with the prospect of fellow frontcourt-mate Kelly Olynyk returning to action (hasn’t happened), to this sobering news, is a blow to Celtics fans regardless of their stance on a playoff push.

Silver linings? More chances for Brad Stevens to flex his coaching muscle and creativity, more opportunities for Tyler Zeller as he looks to cement himself as an integral part of this rebuilt project going forward and perhaps a better chance at a high lottery pick.

On second thought, knowing this team, they’ll probably find a way to jockey for the 8th seed with Indiana down to the last week of the season. I’m done trying to figure them out (until next Monday, at least).